Council to gather thoughts on tourist tax

VIEWS are to be sought from members of the public and businesses on the idea of a tourist tax in Dumfries and Galloway.

Councillors on Tuesday agreed to explore introducing a visitor levy on overnight stays, which officials say would ‘enhance the region’s tourism infrastructure and support sustainable growth in the visitor economy’.

However, they have not further explained how it would work or where/how the resultant funds would be spent, except to say that all revenue would be reinvested locally in services and facilities used by visitors.

The forthcoming consultation will take place over the next six to 12 months to assess the feasibility and design of such a scheme.

There will be in-person meetings, webinars, and surveys targeting residents, visitors, and the tourism industry.

It will be carried out by an external research company ‘to ensure objective data collection and analysis’.

Commenting on the decision, Cllr Andy Ferguson, chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Tourism is vital to our region’s economy. A visitor levy could provide a sustainable way to invest in the services and infrastructure that make Dumfries and Galloway a top destination, while also supporting our local communities.”

Vice chair Cllr Tony Berretti added: “Through the engagement process, we want to hear from everyone – residents, businesses, and visitors – about how a levy could work for Dumfries and Galloway. This is about building a better future for tourism in our region.”

The findings will go back to elected members to consider and decide the next steps, in spring 2026.

And the earliest such a scheme could be implemented locally would be in 2028.